Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) celebrated World Rivers Day by cleaning up Sungai Batu.
Its president Datuk Mohd Yazid Sairi said the effort involved local educational institutions and residents’ associations.
“Our mission involves a thorough cleaning of this river’s tributary.
“We planned this initiative and, most importantly when we conceived the programme, we did not only involve government agencies but also private partners.
“Our goal is to ensure the long-term success of this programme because we believe that relying solely on government efforts isn’t enough.
“It requires community awareness to protect our environment,” he said at the launch of “Program Denai Sungai Kebangsaan” or National River Trail Programme in Gombak, Selangor.
“In previous years, similar efforts took place at Sungai Kertas under the Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) and the Land Office.
“But this year, MPS is leading the way, partnering with JPS and Global Environment Centre (GEC),” he added.
During the event, MPS also unveiled a commemorative signboard and showcased several recycled items.
Mohd Yazid said activities included beautifying riverbanks, planting trees, removing rubbish from the river and recycling waste materials.
“For example, we are repurposing 1.5L carbonated drink bottles into comfortable chairs,” he said, adding that they had constructed three such chairs.
“Sungai Batu is a natural treasure that deserves preservation.
“Its water quality makes it safe for various small activities,” said Mohd Yazid.
GEC River Care Programme manager Dr Kalithasan Kailasam said Water Sector Transfor-mation 2040 had declared that the driving force in the transformation of the water sector was the Malaysian public.
“It is imperative that all agencies engage in collaborative efforts with the public, mirroring the example set by MPS,” he said.
Also present was MPS deputy president Adi Faizal Ahmad Tarmizi.
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